Learn how to style a gilet from our Fashion Editor, with six ways to wear this stylish and versatile outerwear piece.
Gilets are notoriously hard to style. Is it outerwear? Is it really just an amped-up waistcoat? We're here to help demystify the gilet and show you how to style them to wear as a versatile layering piece. A gilet is a great styling piece all year through as it offers you another outerwear option. Whether you wear it for spring instead of a jacket or work it under one of the best coat trends for 2022 for added warmth in the winter, a gilet should be the item you add to your capsule wardrobe this season.
While some see the gilet as being quite a sporty item, reserved for your leggings outfits, in fact, there are lots of different styles of gilet on the market right now, ensuring you can find both casual and dressier iterations. Think of a gilet like a cross between your best blazer and a cardigan to help you get into the mindset of how you might wear it.
We've broken down the key six ways to integrate a gilet this season to give you a head start. And if you're still yet to invest, we've even rounded up some of the best gilets too.
How to style a gilet—outfit ideas from our fashion experts
Add a gilet to your wardrobe this season with these great outfit ideas.
1. Gilet and Hoodie
What you need
- Puffer gilet
- Hoodie
- Leggings
Want to be warm but with less bulk on your arms? Then opt for a sportier style puffer gilet, layered over any of this winter's best hoodies. Sports luxe has continued to be a strong trend across the runway and ready-to-wear markets and a hoodie with an athleisure-inspired gilet means you don't have to sacrifice warmth for style. Let your gilet draw inspiration from the best winter coats, embracing the comfort of a puffer without the added weight. Keep the rest of your silhouette streamlined by tapering your bottom half with form-fitting leggings and flattering knee-high boots.
A styling tip:
Keep your leggings and boot color the same for a seamless finish. By opting for black leggings and coordinating knee-high boots of the same color your legs will look elongated and endless.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $79.99 / £49.99 | Made with water-repellent fabric this gilet is both practical and stylish for the months ahead. This neutral hue will go with so everything too.
RRP: $19.99 / £17.99 | The joy of this look is its comfort and simplicity. Give your best loungewear buys a spring makeover with a puffer gilet.
RRP: $39 / £25 | Keep cozy and relaxed with these seamless, organic cotton leggings. Just another way to dress up everyday wardrobe essentials.
2. Gilet and Jacket
What you need
- Faux fur or wet look gilet
- Leather jacket or blazer
- Midi skirt
A gilet is essentially a layering piece and as we head towards spring, you might find your winter coat too heavy for increasing temperatures. A leather jacket or oversized blazer and spring weather go hand in hand, but on those slightly milder days, when a jacket doesn't quite suffice, layering a luxe gilet over the top can add both texture, interest and of course warmth to spring's fave jacket styles.
A styling tip...
Don't worry about the jacket and gilet having the same hemline, but do try to opt for a gilet with a more luxurious fabrication such as faux fur or wet look finish for a bit more of a glam aesthetic.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $44.99 / £85 |So luxe, the combination of the faux fur with a leather jacket is a great tactile experience. This gilet is available up to a size 28.
RRP: $610 £355 | Great for spring and fall seasons, add extra detail and interest with a luxe faux fur gilet to get even more wear out of this wardrobe staple.
RRP: $52 / £36 | Up the glam levels with this pretty pleated mesh skirt. Finish your outfit with white trainers or suede boots for a smart day to evening look.
3. Gilet and Boho Dress
What you need
- Shearling gilet
- Boho dress
- Suede boots
Cardigans have really enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent seasons, but the fashion trend for billowy and full-sleeved dresses has caused quite a cardi conundrum. So how do you show off your sleeves and keep warm? A gilet of course.
Layered over an on-trend, flirty boho dress, a gilet can add great texture and a stylish '70s feel. Look out for fringing and shearling detailing, for that '70s feel.
A styling tip...
While a gilet will work over any length of dress, for a '70s feel, try layering over a midi or maxi dress. This style will also look great on summer evenings.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $495 / £420 at Net a Porter | An elegant way to add texture and warmth to your outfit, the faux shearling gives this layering piece a gorgeous vintage look.
RRP: $348 / £249 | This pretty boho dress effortlessly combines sheer and opaque georgette panels for a light and airy feel. Available in sizes US 12-24 / UK 16-28.
RRP: $330 / £230 | These smart block heel boots are a great investment as we head into spring. The scallop detailing along the top of the boots is really unique too.
4. Gilet and Winter Coat
What you need
- Slim-fit gilet
- Tailored coat
- Shirt dress
A gilet isn't just for casual occasions though, they can be worn for dressier outings too. If you've invested in a great tailored winter coat, such as a camel coat, but find on those particularly icy days that it isn't quite warm enough. Then try adding a slim fit, quilted gilet underneath for added protection. This is the most functional integration of a gilet into your wardrobe, allowing you to beat the chill. You could also try a puffer style over the top of a lightweight trench coat too.
A styling tip...
Look for gilets that tonally match your winter coat so that even when you wear your coat open, the finish is still seamless.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $50 / £29.50 | This slim-fit gilet has a tailored finish but is packed full of tech. With a concealed hood, secure pockets and flattering stitch detail, it will give extra life to your fave winter coat.
RRP: $49 / £29.99 | This tailored Zara coat is super sleek. But with its open front, a gilet will really help to add warmth and protection. You can also try adding a leather belt a secure way of closing this coat.
RRP: $179 / £149 |Whether you're heading to brunch or the boardroom, this chain print shirt dress is a super stylish buy that won't date. With a slim-fit silhouette, you can wear it belted for extra waist definition.
5. Gilet and Jeans
What you need
- Longline gilet
- Jeans
- Cashmere sweater
Nail casual weekend style this season with a gilet and jeans combination. One of the easiest ways to inject this trend into your wardrobe is to pair it with your best jeans. Swap out your usual weekend jacket for one of this season's sportier style gilets for a look that will take you from lunch dates, to park strolls and everything in between. Try a longline gilet over your favorite cashmere jumper for a look that's both stylish and practical.
A styling tip...
Keep it casual and pair with jeans and a pair of trainers for effortless weekend dressing.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $82 / £69 | Go long for added protection and to draw the eye down your silhouette. This gilet comes to just above the knee for a really snug feel, and also comes in white for those looking for something brighter.
RRP: $99 / £94 | Good American jeans offer a fresh fit on skinny jeans. With distinctive raw hem edging and gap proof waistband, these are a style you'll want to wear on repeat.
RRP: $505 / £315 | This is the cashmere sweater you'll want to cherish forever. With a relaxed silhouette, but ribbed to fit waist and cuffs, this roll neck will be a staple you'll reach for again and again.
6. Gilet and Checked Shirt
What you need
- Diamond quilt gilet
- Checked shirt
- Walking boots
Upgrade your 'weekend in the country' wardrobe with a practical, yet stylish gilet. This look draws inspiration from Kate Middleton, who does country chic so well. Look out for figure-fitting gilets that will sit neatly over a checked shirt. Added detailing such as stud closed patch pockets and a double front fastening ensures your gilet is more than just aesthetically pleasing.
A styling tip...
The main aspects of this look are the checked shirt and walking boots. If you're looking for an outdoorsy outfit, then team this with a trusted pair of fitted jeans that you can tuck into your boots. Want the look without the excursion? Marry this combo with a denim pencil skirt.
Our fashion editor recommends...
RRP: $165 / £94.95 | Curved side hems and a dropped back make this gilet really flattering. Barbour is known for their great outerwear, so rest assured that the quilted diamond outer and fleece inner will keep you warm too.
RRP: $62 / £39.50 | A checked shirt is a versatile wardrobe staple. Pick up the color of your gilet in your checked shirt to help tie the look together. A timeless style, this basic will never date and can be worn all year.
RRP: $385 / £325 | A firm fashion fave, this style is loved by celebrities such as Holly Willoughby. While there are a number of new shoe trends for 2022, the hiking boot is going nowhere, no mountain tops required.